A little over a week ago, we added a new member to our family of 5. My oldest daughter decided it was time we had a canine running around the house. This was going to be her dog which technically makes me a ‘grandfather’. After a lot of research and Googling pictures of every breed known to man, she decided on an Australian Shepherd. She found a breeder within a reasonable driving distance, set up the appointment and away we went.  Welcome Adelaide! Addie for short or #AddietheAussie. In her research she found this breed to be very smart (smarter than us is my fear), very loyal, great with kids and other animals. I must say that in one week she already understands “No”, “Come” (although she only does this for my daughter), and is starting to master “Sit.” She knows where her food is, has established her favorite napping locale (the ceramic tile hearth), and has a pretty good idea where her bathroom is! Not bad for a two month old.

We discovered another thing that she knows how to do that we didn’t train her for.  She herds. When ever you take her for a walk or play with her in the backyard, she rushes ahead and zig-zags in front of you to cut you off, forcing you to change directions. I mean right in front of you. If you stop and are not moving she will nip at your ankles to get you moving. In her research, my daughter discovered that in the early 1800’s Aussie’s were bred to help herd sheep and cattle in the old west. That’s right they aren’t really from Australia. Herding has become a part of this breeds DNA, it is their natural instinct. Even in the backyard of suburbia.

This made me think, what have I been bred to do. Are their natural instincts in me (that are useful in any way?)  In the times of Noah, the human race was described as

Every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.

Sadly, my life, and I am guessing yours, as proven that out. Nobody had to teach us to sin, it just comes naturally. Ever since Adam and Eve in the Garden, sin has become a part of our natural DNA. But I read in Romans that

Those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son.

As a new creation in Christ Jesus, I am transformed. My sin nature has been invaded by God’s divine nature to make me a new creation. And this new creation has been bred to be like Jesus. While the sin nature is not completely destroyed, when I have the urge to ‘herd’ in the wrong direction, a new power is right there to give me a way out.

Addie the Aussie will always be a ‘herder’. But with my new nature given to me with the Holy Spirit, I no longer have to live by the fallen inclinations of my heart. I have the ability to fight the old self, the sin-bred self.

As a leader it is easy to fall into the old natural ways of leadership – power, force, and intimidation. But the old has gone, the new is come. For in Christ we are called, even bred, to be servant-leaders. We are to inspire and influence those God has placed under our leadership. We must lead by example and be men and women of character.  No more nipping at their ankles to get people to move, now we must be a source of motivation and influence.

Lead like Jesus.

Now if you will excuse me, it is my turn to grab the leash and be herded!